Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Patio Design: Here Comes the Sun!
Plan for a Bit of Shade for Your Best Summer Outside
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
If you've ever lived in a scorching climate like the one in Texas where I grew up, you know the value of shade. While the outdoors can be rejuvenating, invigorating and healthy, it can also be super hot! Yet you don't want to be relegated to the indoors all summer. You want to be free — but not sunburned.
From tents to trees, these options show how easy it can be to access--and even create--shade. With style. And in many cases, adding shade over an outdoor area means that you're adding on another room to your house.
Some options, such as temporary awnings, can be added yourself over a weekend or two. Have fun planning now before that hot sun hits.
From tents to trees, these options show how easy it can be to access--and even create--shade. With style. And in many cases, adding shade over an outdoor area means that you're adding on another room to your house.
Some options, such as temporary awnings, can be added yourself over a weekend or two. Have fun planning now before that hot sun hits.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This beautiful modern house makes use of the natural shade of this tree. Where possible, use your trees and create a haven beneath them. Take note when the sun hits hottest, and place the furniture accordingly. |
|
by escale design
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This tent creates another room at the back of this house. The similar palette (and that one great aubergine chair) creates a nice and natural flow. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Here is another more official tent that turns this patio into a beautiful mix of outdoors and in. Note how the curtains even release to enclose the room as desired. The rug below helps define the space's perimeters without limiting it. |
In addition to the awning on this beautifully uncomplicated Mediterranean-inspired home, a simple white umbrella is all that is needed for perfect outdoor dining.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This retractable awning is simply awesome. From fully open to fully closed, this solution provides wonderful versatility while keeping the space modern and sleek. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Growing greenery provides a natural solution to this porch's need for shade. What a beautiful mix of man-made material and nature.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A similar solution, the green roof filters, rather than blocks, the sun for a beautiful effect.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This is greenhouse-like porch offers another beautiful mix of material and nature.
| Don't you love how nature is allowed to run freely over this layer of walls? Providing fresher air and cooling the yard area down, the high wall helps provide shade as well. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This is such a sleek option that softens the blow of the hot sun without obstructing it altogether. A beautiful compromise. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This is such a beautiful solution for an outdoor space — and is one that can be constructed in a weekend. Creative planning could also allow for a retractable canvas wall and roof to enclose the room when desired. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| And, of course, the most amazing shady space is the one nature herself creates. If you're lucky enough to have a patch of shady earth, take advantage of it!
Plan now for that fabulous summer dining space, that outdoor office, or that breezy reading bench. And enjoy! Next: Browse more photos of patio designs |
Ideabook published on May 1, 2011.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
Thanks for giving me so many ideas to shade my family and my backyard from it.
Also, check out the article on our blog about bringing Spring into your Home, it has some more tips! http://blog.17thandriggs.com/2011/03/bring-nature-into-your-home-this-spring/
http://blog.17thandriggs.com
http://brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com/2010/06/beautiful-living-on-patio.html